Eye on O.C.: Following the leaders

Mexican food and live music were part of the festivities at the Hispanic 100's fourth annual Lifetime Achievement Gala at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

The Hispanic 100 dedicates itself to identifying and supporting community leaders and bringing awareness to important issues. Former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin, mistress of ceremonies, addressed more than 300 guests. She began the night by introducing business and political leaders in the room. “While we celebrate the past, we cheer the future,” she said in an interview.

Young leaders in the organization's mentorship program also had their say.

“I think it's important to have the older generation come out and help us learn,” said Jonathan Espinoza, a 2012 graduate of Santa Ana's Segerstrom High School and Georgetown University sophomore who has been with the program for a little more than a year. “It's important, once you move up the ladder and you become successful, that you turn back and give a hand up,” he said.

While Monica Lozano, CEO of impreMedia, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, guests dined family-style, passing around heaping bowls of rice and beans to accompany steaming plates of steak and tortillas.

“It's a great honor to be recognized by the Hispanic 100,” said Lozano, who was raised in Newport Beach. “And I see it more as a recognition of what we've built as an organization rather than me as an individual.”

There was a live and silent auction, as well as dancing to '70s and '80s hits performed by Larry Braggs, lead vocalist of Tower of Power. “Anything that has to do with kids being mentored and making a better life for them, I'm really involved with – the Hispanic 100 is doing a wonderful job in the community,” he said.